PETERBOROUGH-What’s believed to be the longest police helicopter pursuit in Ontario history entered parts of Peterborough, Port Hope and Cobourg on January 27th. (Police originally reported it to be the second longest but later confirmed it is the longest.)
A 47-year-old male from Oshawa is now facing charges after he allegedly evaded Durham Regional Police and travelled at speeds more than double the posted limit.
It all started on Saturday, January 27, 2018, at approximately 2:30 a.m. when a female travelling in the area of Rossland Road West and Stevenson Road North in Oshawa called police saying she was being followed by a male known to her. He was driving erratically behind her and was trying to ram her vehicle. Communications/911 advised her to drive towards Central West Division in Whitby. Officers located the male’s vehicle and, upon seeing officers, the male allegedly fled the area. He continued to evade police who say they backed off and for safety reasons.
Eventually the male entered Highway 401 eastbound, travelling at speeds as high as 230 km/hr. Air1 followed the vehicle for 154 km, as officers on the road kept a safe distance away. The male travelled towards Peterborough and Cobourg but then began to drive back towards Durham Region.
Officers from East Division strategically placed a tire deflation device on Ganaraska Road in Port Hope and were able to stop the vehicle. The driver fled on foot and officers searched the area. The male allegedly attempted to discard evidence in the forest but Air1 was able to direct ground units to the items. The suspect was found in a wooded area and arrested.
A 47-year-old from Oshawa has been charged with Criminal Harassment; Possession of Cocaine; Possess Heroin for the Purpose of Trafficking; Possess Cocaine for the Purpose of Trafficking; Possess MDMA for the Purpose of Trafficking; Race a Motor Vehicle; Dangerous Operation of a Motor Vehicle and Driving While under Suspension. His name is being withheld due to the domestic nature of this incident. He was held for a bail hearing.
Police say this is longest police helicopter pursuit in Ontario history. Click here : https://youtu.be/BIjnbcLaM0Q​ to view portions of the pursuit.
Anyone with any new information about this incident is asked to call D/Cst. Willis of Central West Division Criminal Investigation Bureau at 1-888-579-1520 ext. 1829.
